The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-24

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Papoulias Visiting China

By Athina Saloustrou

During the second day of Greek President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias official visit to China, special emphasis was given to further boost of Greek-Chinese economic relations. Mr Papoulias attended the end of sessions of a Forum of Greek and Chinese businessmen at a central hotel in Beijing. Besides, as per Xhinua News Agency, the President of the Chinese Popular Republic Hu Jintao proposed to the Greek president a four-point plan that would boost bilateral relations and increase understanding on issues of common interest. The Chinese President proposed emphasis to be given to the cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises and a boost to commercial transactions, bilateral economic cooperation, especially in the sector of investments and boat building industry.

As per the Chinese News Agency, the Chinese president also asked the boosting of cultural relations, proposing Greece to participate as an honored country Beijings International Book Exhibition. He also called on Greece to maintain cooperation on international issues, such as climate change, the protection of the environment and viable development.

In parallel, Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas attended a business forum, where he called on China to invest in Greece. He also pointed out that Mr Papoulias visit to China would help the two countries understand each other better and tighten their relations furthermore.

In his attempt to attract Chinese investments in Greece, he stressed that Greece is the only Balkan country that is an EU, NATO and EMU member. Furthermore, it serves as a hub in the Balkans with its infrastructure and ports.

At the same time, the Greek president visited the Olympic venues. Culture Minister Fani Petralia, who is accompanying Mr Papoulias, signed a memorandum of cooperation and understanding for the transfer of the Olympic Flame and technological know-how to Beijing.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] No Trace of Life in Philippine Ferry

By Athina Saloustrou

Rescue divers found bodies but no survivors in the capsized ferry in the Philippines, a port authority spokesman said. The spokesman also reported that there are many bodies of trapped people in the vessel. The first attempts to discover survivors in the ferry took place Monday, but were hampered by poor weather conditions. Out of the 862 people on board, 43 have been found alive and 12 bodies were discovered in the sea. An additional 40 were located on an island; however, it has not been verified whether they are passengers of the sunken vessel.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Sarkozy in the Middle East

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, AFP

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is concluding his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territory with a meeting with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas in Bethlehem.

Addressing the Israeli Parliament Monday, Mr Sarkozy supported the founding of a Palestinian sate, asking from Israel to "freeze" its settling programme, a development that satisfied the Palestinian Authority.

Messrs Sarkozy and Abbas will give a joint Press Conference and then the French president and his wife will visit the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem.

Mr Sarkozy reiterated to the Israeli leadership that although he is Israels friend, security and safety in Israel would be boosted only if an independent, modern, viable and democratic Palestinian state is founded. Additionally, he asked from Israel to extend the hand of friendship to the Palestinians.

Finally, two Palestinians, one of them a Hammas member was killed by Israeli fire in Nablus at dawn. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that the Hammas member was wanted for planting car bombs in Israeli cars. The man was killed in exchange of fire with Israelis. An automatic rifle and several bombs were found in his apartment.

Finally, two Palestinians, one of them a Hammas member was killed by Israeli fire in Nablus at dawn. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that the Hammas member was wanted for planting car bombs in Israeli cars. The man was killed in exchange of fire with Israelis. An automatic rifle and several bombs were found in his apartment.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Oil Prices Stabilize

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, AFP

Oil prices have been recording a steady course in Asian markets, with August delivery for light crude trading at $US136.84 per barrel Tuesday morning.

Brent North Sea was trading at $US135.90 per barrel, that is one cent less.

Following Jeddahs meeting that concluded yesterday, crude continued its upward trend, despite Saudi Arabias assurances that it would increase oil output, at a time when oil installations in Nigeria are being attacked by guerillas.

David Johnson, analyst with Macquarie Research in Hong Kong believes that everyone expects OPECs next move.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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